So, we all know that I'm trying to eat healthy. They say to let those around you know so that they can encourage you. Well, everyone at work knows. To the point that when they ask if I want to go out to lunch they quickly add, "somewhere healthy". They're so sweet! Usually I'll look up the menu online and figure out what I'm getting before we go. So, one of my coworkers brought me this article the other day.
It's about the new law in New York City that says that chain restaurants must post the calorie count of each food in the same size and font as the price.
My take: Hooray! I would love to have the information posted. That way I don't have to look it up online and it will be readily available. Plus, sometimes you think something is a healthy choice, yet find out it's not that healthy.
Also, I think it forces restaurants to start serving healthier items. It says that Starbucks is finding it sells out of their 80 calorie cookies moreso than anything else. Why don't the restaurants take this as a sign that people want to eat healthier and cater to that?
But, some are criticizing it. Saying they don't want to have the calorie count shoved in their face when they go out to eat. And it's making them angry! I say that's ridiculous! If you chose to eat something high in calories, fine, that's your choice (I still make that choice sometimes, Island Fire Burger from Sonic, yummmmm). But, to get upset because you are actually aware of how many calories you're eating? Or to say that it ruins your dining experience? I just don't get it. One woman even asked for a menu without the calorie counts so that she would feel more comfortable eating. Seriously?
I think part of this goes to personal responsibility. People don't want to be forced to admit that THEY made bad decisions. Just like the people that sue McDonald's because they're obese. They can't admit that they KNEW the food wasn't good for them, but chose to eat it anyway.
With this new law people are being forced to be aware of what they're eating. There is no more claim that they "thought" they made a healthy choice. Maybe it'll prevent some of those crazy lawsuits.
Or maybe some of these people should watch Supersize Me. That movie will scare you off of fast food quick!
(Don't get me wrong. I don't care if you're skinny or fat, I don't care if you eat fast food or not (I do all the time), I don't care what YOU eat, that's your choice. But, I don't think you should be allowed to sue a corporation for "making" you fat or unhealthy. YOU choose what to put in your own mouth.)
I totally agree, Lori! Very, very well said...
Posted by: Laura | July 18, 2008 at 11:57 AM
Thanks for posting that. I wish Virginia had a similar law. There are a few, very few, that post the information voluntarily. Those are the places I spend my 'eat out' money.
Posted by: Deb Legg | July 18, 2008 at 12:28 PM
I think its a great idea. Those getting their panties in a bunch may be feeling some guilt over their dietary habits...
Posted by: mielikki | July 18, 2008 at 12:36 PM
I think that is a FANTASTIC idea!!!!!!!!!!! I would surely benefit from it, seeing as how I'm still a newbie in learning my low-carb diet!
Posted by: MommaV | July 18, 2008 at 04:57 PM
ooooooh yeah. i couldn't agree with you more.
i carry around my pocket (ish) sized weight watchers food book, and when i go out to eat (rarely) i try to go to one of the restaurants in the w/w restaurant book. but it is a complete pain in the tuckus. if restaurants even had *one* menu version which listed the values, i'd eat out more!!!
but i'd probably still only be allowed the salad. sigh.
starbucks has 80 calorie cookies?!?!?! we wantee!!!
i mean... um...i don't eat cookies.
probably
Posted by: holly | July 19, 2008 at 01:07 AM
great post. so true. People just want to be in denial....not a good thing.
good for New York. I hope it spreads.
Posted by: Corey~living and loving | July 19, 2008 at 04:39 PM
laws don't work. hello, speed limits?
also, many places already have a sheet with the calories etc., for their food. you just have to ask.
I think the best way to get places to publicize the calorie counts etc, is to ask for it, and to frequent the places that do. consumers don't realize how much power they have.
Posted by: missburrows | July 20, 2008 at 12:44 AM
Wow. It amazes me to no end what bothers people. I don't care about calories and all that stuff, but it sure as hell won't kill me if I SEE it!
Although I did see somewhere where they were saying that even the restaurants' caloric counts were way off - on the low side, of course.
Anyway, people suck!
Posted by: Sybil Law | July 20, 2008 at 07:11 AM
Personally, I think some people just need to bitch about something to feel good...no matter how stupid it sounds!!
I noticed that a few of the 'family-style' places here have started putting the calories of items on the menus (but, here, it's not "calories"...it is "energy"...that sounds almost too positive, doesn't it?? Go for the ice cream, it has more energy!!)
I like having that option when ordering...and just like everything else, if you don't like it...no one is forcing you to read it!!! (or watch it on tv, or eat it, or smoke it......).
Posted by: debbie | July 21, 2008 at 09:15 AM
I'm all for it. When do you think Alabama will jump on the band wagon??
Posted by: Lisa | July 21, 2008 at 06:09 PM
Yes! Bring the common sense back!
You said it so well...people just don't want to take accountability for their decisions. It's the highest form of denial.
(And I WISH we had a Sonic in San Diego!)
Posted by: San Diego Momma | July 21, 2008 at 09:00 PM